The bill, S.B. No. 1134, aims to enhance financial assistance for tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for certain members of the Texas military forces. Key amendments include increasing the maximum number of semester credit hours eligible for tuition exemption from 12 to 15, and expanding the number of assistance awards for members of the Texas State Guard from 30 to 45 per semester or term, unless a compelling need for additional awards is demonstrated. The bill also stipulates that service members may receive assistance for up to 15 semester credit hours in any semester or term and limits the total assistance to seven academic years or 15 semesters or terms.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the adjutant general must certify a list of service members eligible for assistance before each semester or term, ensuring that the amount awarded does not exceed available funding. It also allows for grants to service members attending private or independent institutions, equal to the average reimbursement amount estimated for the same semester or term. The provisions of this act will take effect starting with the 2025 fall semester, and it will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 54.345, Government Code 437.226 (Government Code 437, Education Code 54)